By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-07 13:49:05 | Updated at 2024-12-23 11:32:44
2 weeks ago
Prosecutors identified Anudeep Revuri as the ring's leader.
FaceBook Anudeep Revuri
They majored in drug dealing.
Six Rutgers University students and one alum were charged this week with running a sophisticated drug ring — and allegedly used a “private social media network” to sell narcotics to fellow Scarlet Knights.
New Jersey prosecutors allege RU alumnus Anudeep Revuri, 23, of New Brunswick, developed the closed network used by the group to sell narcotics to other Rutgers students.
Through the social media app, “narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community,” said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone in a statement.
“Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network and once given access, they were able to browse menus posted by distributors and contact them in order to negotiate purchases,” said Ciccone, who helmed “Operation RU Pharm” over several months.
Cops recovered substantial amounts of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin or “magic” mushrooms, Adderall and Xanax in the bust. A gun and an undisclosed amount of cash was also seized.
Revuri was charged with leader of a drug trafficking network and conspiracy to commit drug distribution.
The narcotics ring also allegedly included students Joshua Duffy and David Nudelman, both 20, 21-year-old Noa Lisimachio, Zachary Petersen and Donovin Williams, both 22, and Catherine Tierney, 23, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The students face charges ranging from money laundering and possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
One is further accused of dealing drugs within a designated school zone.
The Post was unable to reach any of the defendants for comment.
Revuri’s attorney, Jason Seidman, said all his client did was create an online chat room the other students exploited in order to sell drugs.
“I haven’t seen anything that he coordinated or directed any sales,” Seidman said. “He maintains his innocence and looks forward to proving it in court.”
Rutgers University is not commenting on the arrests.
